Vinnie Paz – God Of The Serengeti CD (Review)

Vinnie Paz, the co-founder of Jedi Mind Tricks and member of Army Of The Pharaohs and Heavy Metal Kings, released his first solo album called “Season of The Assassin” in 2010. Now 2 years later he drops his sophomore solo effort. I had high expectations of “God of The Serengeti” after hearing the first leaks for “Cheesesteaks” and “7 Fires Of Prophecy” feat Tragedy Khadafi.

The album starts off with “Shadow Of The Guillotine” feat Q-Unique. This track sets the pace immediately. Banging drums, horns. “Slum Chemist” continues on this path. The legendary DJ Premier graced the beat of “The Oracle”. “Last Breath” feat Chris Rivers and Whispers has a different approach, with singing in the background and a melodic chorus.

I’ve read some comments here and there that the songs on “God Of The Serengeti” sound alike & that Paz’ strictly sticks to the hardcore conspiracy rap. I have to disagree. Of course there are songs that fit that formula. But for example “Jake Lamotta” finds Vinnie exploring a different style, it sounds like a melodic Big Pun song (especially the chorus reminds me of something like Pun would drop). A track like “Crime Library” feat Blaq Poet reminds me of some old school New York rap like (old) Mobb Deep and Tragedy Khadafi. Vocal scratches on the chorus and all.

Besides the artists already mentioned there are  dope featurings from Mobb Deep (could this possibly be the last song they drop together?!), the elusive Scarface, Kool G Rap, La Coka Nostra and members of Paz’ Army Of The Pharaohs crew. When I tell you that Havoc, Stu Bangas, DJ Premier, C-Lance, DJ Lethal, Marco Polo, Psycho Les all have produced beats on this album you know can expect top notch bangers.

Album closer “You Can’t be Neutral on a Moving Train” is a 7 minute epos detailing the corruption and evils of the US goverments. Lyrically this is Vinnie Paz at his best, dropping knowledge and touching upon social issues. Besides the different subject matter the raps are also a bit more introspective (like “Same Story” off of Vinnie’s first album Season of The Assassin). Hopefully he drops more tracks like this in the future.

The cover art is well executed and is packaged in a digipack, like most Enemy Soil releases.
“God Of The Serengeti” helps further cement Vinnie Paz’ career into hip hop history.

[two_third][divider]Tracklist[/divider]
1. “Shadow Of The Guillotine” f/ Q-Unique (produced by DJ Lethal)
2. “Slum Chemist” (produced by C-Lance)
3. “The Oracle” (produced by DJ Premier)
4. “And Your Blood Will Blot Out The Sun” f/ Immortal Technique & Poison Pen (produced by Tony Kenyatta)
5. “Last Breath” f/ Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun) & Whispers (produced by C-Lance)
6. “Crime Library” f/ Blaq Poet (produced by Marco Polo)
7.“Feign Submission” (Interlude) (produced by JBL the Titan)
8. “Duel To The Death” f/ Mobb Deep (produced by Stu Bangas)
9. “Problem Solver” f/ Scarface (produced by The Arcitype)
10. “Battle Hymn” f/ Apathy, King Syze, Crypt the Warchild, Jus Allah, Esoteric, Blacastan, Celph Titled & Planetary (produced by Mr. Green)
11. “Geometry of Business” f/ La Coka Nostra (produced by Havoc)
12. “Jake LaMotta” (produced by Illinformed)
13. “7 Fires Of Prophecy” f/ Tragedy Khadafi (produced by Beatnick Dee)
14. “Cheesesteaks” (produced by Psycho Les)
15. “Cold, Dark, and Empty” f/ FT and Smoke (produced by Jack Of All Trades)
16. “Razor Gloves” f/ R.A. the Rugged Man (produced by MTK)
17. “Wolves Amongst The Sheep” f/ Kool G. Rap & Block McCloud (produced by C-Lance)
18. “You Can’t Be Neutral On A Moving Train” (produced by C-Lance & JBL the Titan)
[/two_third]

[one_third_last][divider]Purchase links:[/divider]
iTunes: Vinnie Paz – God of the Serengeti

Amazon CD: Vinnie Paz – God Of The Serengeti

Amazon MP3: Vinnie Paz – God Of The Serengeti

Cd: UGHH.com[/one_third_last]